The stars have been in a relationship since 2006 but the former Dawson’s Creek actor admits their first encounter was far from romantic.

He tells U.S. celebrity website Usmagazine.com, “Our first date was a miserable one. I took her to an Italian restaurant, and there was some flower that was blooming. She was allergic to it so she sniffled and sneezed the entire time.

“And when I get nervous, you might have noticed I talk a lot. So I just chewed her ear off for an hour and a half. It was amazing. I’m surprised she ever called back.”